U.S. Geothermal has received a key reservoir certificate required under the U.S. Department of Energy's $96.7 million loan guarantee for its $129 million, 23 MW Neal Hot Springs project in Oregon.

The company notified TAS Energy, Idaho Power Co. and Industrial Builders to break ground on construction of the plant as well as a 10-mile transmission line. US Geothermal has also initiated the final stage of drilling activities for the remaining required injection wells for the project.

Enbridge will fund the remaining share of the construction costs and will acquire a 20 percent stake in the project.

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